Nation: Senate Reforms from Four Freshmen

LAST week's near blockage of the legislative arteries of Congress was
only the latest indication that one of the Government's most vital
organs is in need of drastic surgery. That is particularly true of the
Senate, whose members have repeatedly refused to allow reformers to
interfere with the filibuster, the seniority system (TIME Essay, Dec.
14) and time-consuming procedures almost as aged as the toga.
Nevertheless, four freshmen Senators have coaxed the Senate into
consenting to some changes that, starting next month, could help the
incoming Congress to function more effectively.